Florida is known for having some severe weather systems. The state sees everything from torrential downpours to tornadoes, and while we don’t have to deal with harsh winter weather conditions the way parts of the country do, the weather in Hollywood and South Florida can still wreak havoc with driving. Poor visibility, slippery road conditions, and heavy winds on bridges can and do lead to trucking collisions in Hollywood and across South Florida.
Who is Liable?
If you are involved in a collision with a truck in bad weather, you may assume you have no claim because of the weather conditions – but this is incorrect. Even in bad weather, drivers are expected to take proper precautions and are still responsible for safe driving. Truck drivers, in particular, are trained to deal with a number of road conditions, inclement weather. They’re expected to slow down, use extra caution, and even pull over if it is no longer safe to drive.
If a passenger car driver or tractor trailer driver is involved in a car accident, an investigation can examine the role weather played in the crash. However, investigators may also look at driver behavior. They may find, for example, that a driver didn’t slow down adequately in bad weather, did not take steps to keep visibility good, or made other mistakes. If so, that driver can be held partly liable if their actions lead to someone’s injuries.
In some cases, too, other liable parties may be involved. For example, brakes or tires may be faulty and may lead to an accident in the event of bad weather. If a manufacturer was negligent in designing or making safe truck parts, they may be held partly liable if their products contribute to a crash – even if the crash happened in bad weather.
Getting Answers
After a trucking accident, it’s quite common for survivors to have lots of questions. There can also be a lot of misinformation floating around. After a crash, it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney for just these reasons. An attorney can answer some of your questions, launch an investigation, and help you understand what you can do legally. If you are told that the weather caused the crash, an attorney can investigate to see whether there were other causes involved, too. Sometimes, there is a lot of finger pointing after a trucking collision and this can be confusing; an attorney can help cut through some of the confusion so you can get some answers. If you decide to pursue a claim after your injury, an attorney can represent you.
Don’t just assume that you don’t have a claim or that you have to accept an insurance company’s first offer to you. If you have been injured, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our legal team can offer legal advice and representation from our offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami. While no one can control the weather, in many truck accident cases, it is more than just the weather that causes a crash.